Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking AZO as follows:
- Orally administered AZO is partly excreted unchanged in urine. Individuals with compromised renal function and history of renal failure are at risk for reduced excretion of AZO, thereby, resulting in accumulation of the drug in the body and consequently, can lead to toxicity with AZO. Accumulation of AZO in the body can result in staining of the skin and mucus membranes orange yellow. Individuals taking AZO must keep a close watch on the color of skin and mucus membranes. Report to your physician regarding any orange yellow coloration of the skin, oral mucosa, and sclera, so that, an alternative plan of care could be considered.
- Use of AZO can result in deficiency of enzyme systems (G6PDH enzyme), needed to maintain the integrity of red blood cells. This can result in poor red blood cell integrity, predisposing the cells to lysis, contributing to development of hemolytic anemia. This breakdown of red blood cells can result in elevated levels of the yellow pigment, bilirubin, in the blood, which can result in signs and symptoms of jaundice. Individuals can present with itching, dark urine, yellowing of skin and eyes, nausea and vomiting, poor metabolism, and fatigue. Report any of these findings to your physician, so that, a change in plan of care could be considered.
- This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
